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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Our freestanding derivative financial instruments consist of: (1) foreign currency swaps, credit default swaps, and interest rate swaps that are associated with investments in special-purpose entities, including VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary; (2) foreign currency forwards and options used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated securities in Aflac Japan's portfolio; (3) foreign currency forwards and options used to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen; (4) swaps associated with our notes payable, consisting of an interest rate swap for our variable interest rate yen-denominated debt and cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with certain senior notes and our subordinated debentures; and (5) options on interest rate swaps (or interest rate swaptions) and futures used to hedge interest rate risk for certain available-for-sale securities. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in leveraged derivative transactions. Some of our derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value hedges or net investment hedges; however, other derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting. We utilize a net investment hedge to mitigate foreign exchange exposure resulting from our net investment in Aflac Japan. In addition to designating derivatives as hedging instruments, we have designated the majority of our yen-denominated Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans as nonderivative hedging instruments for this net investment hedge.

Derivative Types

We enter into foreign currency swaps pursuant to which we exchange an initial principal amount in one currency for an initial principal amount of another currency, with an agreement to re-exchange the currencies at a future date at an agreed upon exchange rate. There may also be periodic exchanges of payments at specified intervals based on the agreed upon rates and notional amounts. Foreign currency swaps are used primarily in the consolidated VIEs in our Aflac Japan portfolio to convert foreign-denominated cash flows to yen, the functional currency of Aflac Japan, in order to minimize cash flow fluctuations. We also use foreign currency swaps to economically convert certain of our dollar-denominated senior note and subordinated debenture principal and interest obligations into yen-denominated obligations.

Foreign currency forwards and options with short-term maturities are executed for the Aflac Japan segment in order to hedge the currency risk on the fair value of certain fixed-maturity dollar-denominated securities. In forward transactions, Aflac Japan agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of yen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. Aflac Japan also executes foreign currency option transactions in a collar strategy, where Aflac Japan agrees with another party to simultaneously purchase a fixed amount of U.S. dollar put options and sell U.S. dollar call options. The combination of these two actions results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar). The foreign currency forwards and options are used in fair value hedging relationships to mitigate the foreign exchange risk associated with dollar-denominated investments supporting yen-denominated liabilities.

Foreign currency forwards and options are also used to hedge the currency risk associated with the net investment in Aflac Japan. In these forward transactions, Aflac agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of U.S. dollars and sell a corresponding amount of yen at a specified future date. In the option transactions, we use a combination of foreign currency options to protect expected future cash flows by simultaneously purchasing yen put options (options that protect against a weakening yen) and selling yen call options (options that limit participation in a strengthening yen). The combination of these two actions results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar). Aflac also enters into foreign currency options that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell yen and buy U.S. dollars at specified future dates at contracted prices.

Our CDSs are used to assume credit risk related to an individual security or an index. The only CDS derivatives that we have entered into relate to components of certain of our investments in VIEs. These CDS contracts entitle the consolidated VIE to receive periodic fees in exchange for an obligation to compensate the derivative counterparties should the reference security issuers experience a credit event, as defined in the contract.

Interest rate swaps involve the periodic exchange of cash flows with other parties, at specified intervals, calculated using agreed upon rates or other financial variables and notional principal amounts. Typically, at the time a swap is entered into, the cash flow streams exchanged by the counterparties are equal in value. No cash or principal payments are exchanged at the inception of the contract. Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert interest receipts on floating-rate fixed-maturity securities contracts to fixed rates. These derivatives are predominantly used to better match cash receipts from assets with cash disbursements required to fund liabilities.

Interest rate swaptions are options on interest rate swaps. Interest rate collars are combinations of two swaption positions and are executed in order to hedge certain dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities that are held in the Aflac Japan segment. We use collars to protect against significant changes in the fair value associated with interest rate changes of our dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. In order to maximize the efficiency of the collars while minimizing cost, we set the strike price on each collar so that the premium paid for the ‘payer leg’ is offset by the premium received for having sold the ‘receiver leg’.

Periodically, depending on general economic conditions, we may enter into other derivative transactions.

Credit Risk Assumed through Derivatives

For the interest rate, foreign currency, and credit default swaps associated with our VIE investments for which we are the primary beneficiary, we bear the risk of foreign exchange or interest rate loss due to counterparty default even though we are not a direct counterparty to those contracts. We are a direct counterparty to the interest rate and foreign currency swaps that we have entered into in connection with certain of our senior notes, subordinated debentures, and Samurai notes; foreign currency forwards; foreign currency options; and interest rate swaptions, and therefore we are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties in those contracts. The risk of counterparty default for our VIE swaps, foreign currency swaps, certain foreign currency forwards, foreign currency options and interest rate swaptions is mitigated by collateral posting requirements the counterparties to those transactions must meet. As of December 31, 2014, there were 16 counterparties to our derivative agreements, with five comprising 80% of the aggregate notional amount. The counterparties to these derivatives are financial institutions with the following credit ratings as of December 31:
 
2014
2013
(In millions)
Notional Amount
of Derivatives
Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
Notional Amount
of Derivatives
Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
Counterparties' credit rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   AA
 
$
1,098

 
 
$
39

 
 
$
(36
)
 
 
$
161

 
 
$
1

 
 
$
(7
)
 
   A
 
22,564

 
 
763

 
 
(2,387
)
 
 
22,314

 
 
487

 
 
(830
)
 
      Total
 
$
23,662

 
 
$
802

 
 
$
(2,423
)
 
 
$
22,475

 
 
$
488

 
 
$
(837
)
 


We engage in derivative transactions directly with unaffiliated third parties under International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (ISDA) agreements and other documentation. Most of the ISDA agreements also include Credit Support Annex (CSA) provisions, which generally provide for two-way collateral postings, in certain cases at the first dollar of exposure and in other cases once various rating and exposure threshold levels are triggered. We mitigate the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral value while generally requiring that collateral be posted at the outset of the transaction or that additional collateral be posted upon the occurrence of certain events or circumstances. In addition, a significant portion of the derivative transactions have provisions that require collateral to be posted upon a downgrade of our long-term debt ratings or give the counterparty the right to terminate the transaction upon a downgrade of Aflac’s financial strength rating. The actual amount of collateral required to be posted to counterparties in the event of such downgrades, or the aggregate amount of payments that we could be required to make, depends on market conditions, the fair value of outstanding affected transactions, and other factors prevailing at and after the time of the downgrade.

Collateral posted by us to third parties for derivative transactions was $1.6 billion at December 31, 2014, which consisted entirely of pledged securities, compared with $8 million at December 31, 2013, which consisted of $7 million of pledged securities and $1 million of cash. This collateral can generally be repledged or resold by the counterparties. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features that were in a net liability position by counterparty was $2.1 billion and $18 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on December 31, 2014, we estimate that we would be required to post a maximum of $482 million of additional collateral to these derivative counterparties. Collateral obtained by us from third parties for derivative transactions was $619 million and $295 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We generally can repledge or resell collateral obtained by us, although we do not typically exercise such rights.

Certain of our consolidated VIEs have credit default swap contracts that require them to assume credit risk from an asset pool. Those consolidated VIEs will receive periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount and will only make a payment by delivery of associated collateral, which consists of highly rated asset-backed securities, if there is a credit event. A credit event payment will typically be equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced obligations. A credit event is generally defined as a default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity. The diversified portfolios of corporate issuers are established within sector concentration limits.

The following tables present the maximum potential risk, fair value, weighted-average years to maturity, and underlying referenced credit obligation type for credit default swaps within consolidated VIE structures as of December 31.

2014
  
 
Less than
one year
 
One to
three years
 
Three to
five years
 
Five to
ten years
 
Total
(In millions)
Credit
Rating
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
Index exposure:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Corporate bonds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(83
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(83
)
 
$
0

     Total
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(83
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(83
)
 
$
0

2013
  
 
Less than
one year
 
One to
three years
 
Three to
five years
 
Five to
ten years
 
Total
(In millions)
Credit
Rating
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Maximum
potential
risk
 
Estimated
fair value
Index exposure:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Corporate bonds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(112
)
 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(112
)
 
$
1

 
BBB
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(95
)
 
(4
)
 
(95
)
 
(4
)
     Total
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(112
)
 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(95
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(207
)
 
$
(3
)

Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments
Freestanding derivatives are carried in our consolidated balance sheets either as assets within other assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. See Note 5 for a discussion on how we determine the fair value of our derivatives. Accruals on derivatives are recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported within derivative and other gains(losses), which is a component of realized investment gains (losses). The fluctuations in estimated fair value of derivatives that have not been designated for hedge accounting can result in volatility in net earnings.
Hedge Documentation and Effectiveness Testing
To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated risk of the hedged item. At the inception of the hedging relationship, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction. We document the designation of each hedge as either (i) a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability or the hedge of a forecasted transaction ("cash flow hedge"); (ii) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability ("fair value hedge"); or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The documentation process includes linking derivatives and nonderivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets or groups of assets or liabilities on the statement of financial position or to specific forecasted transactions and defining the effectiveness and ineffectiveness testing methods to be used. At the hedge's inception and on an ongoing quarterly basis, we also formally assess whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective in offsetting their designated risk. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods.
For assessing hedge effectiveness of cash flow hedges, qualitative methods may include the comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item, and quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in cash flows associated with the hedge relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness of the hedge relationships is measured each reporting period using the “Hypothetical Derivative Method.” For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). All components of each derivative's gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
For assessing hedge effectiveness of fair value hedges, qualitative methods may include the comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item, and quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in cash flows associated with the hedge relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness of the hedge relationships is measured each reporting period using the dollar offset method. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
For the hedge of our net investment in Aflac Japan, we have designated Parent Company yen-denominated liabilities as non-derivative hedging instruments and have designated certain foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedging instruments. We make our net investment hedge designation at the beginning of each quarter. For assessing hedge effectiveness of net investment hedges, if the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivatives notional is equal to or less than our net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective. If the hedge is effective, the related exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities is reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, Aflac follows the forward-rate method. According to that method, all changes in fair value, including changes related to the forward-rate component of foreign currency forward contracts and the time value of foreign currency options, are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. Should these designated net investment hedge positions exceed our net investment in Aflac Japan, the foreign exchange effect on the portion that exceeds our investment in Aflac Japan would be recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
Discontinuance of Hedge Accounting
We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated cash flows or fair value of a hedged item; (2) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or (3) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised.
When hedge accounting is discontinued on a cash flow hedge or fair value hedge, the derivative is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in current period earnings. For discontinued cash flow hedges, including those where the derivative is sold, terminated or exercised, amounts previously deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings when earnings are impacted by the cash flow of the hedged item.

Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
The tables below summarize the balance sheet classification of our derivative fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts, at December 31. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.
  
 
2014
(In millions)
Net Derivatives
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
75

 
 
 
$
(15
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(15
)
 
Total cash flow hedges
 
75

 
 
 
(15
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(15
)
 
Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
12,388

 
 
 
(1,791
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1,791
)
 
Foreign currency options
 
697

 
 
 
(32
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(32
)
 
Interest rate swaptions
 
2,502

 
 
 
(159
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(159
)
 
Total fair value hedges
 
15,587

 
 
 
(1,982
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1,982
)
 
Net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
1,307

 
 
 
54

 
 
 
56

 
 
 
(2
)
 
Total net investment hedge
 
1,307

 
 
 
54

 
 
 
56

 
 
 
(2
)
 
Non-qualifying strategies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
5,765

 
 
 
443

 
 
 
746

 
 
 
(303
)
 
Credit default swaps
 
83

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
784

 
 
 
(119
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(119
)
 
Foreign currency options
 
53

 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1
)
 
Interest rate swaptions
 
8

 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1
)
 
Total non-qualifying strategies
 
6,693

 
 
 
322

 
 
 
746

 
 
 
(424
)
 
Total derivatives
 
$
23,662

 
 
 
$
(1,621
)
 
 
 
$
802

 
 
 
$
(2,423
)
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
6,531

 
 
 
$
802

 
 
 
$
802

 
 
 
$
0

 
Other liabilities
 
17,131

 
 
 
(2,423
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(2,423
)
 
Total derivatives
 
$
23,662

 
 
 
$
(1,621
)
 
 
 
$
802

 
 
 
$
(2,423
)
 

 
 
2013
(In millions)
Net Derivatives
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
75

 
 
 
$
3

 
 
 
$
3

 
 
 
$
0

 
Interest rate swaps
 
52

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
Total cash flow hedges
 
127

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
0

 
Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
11,249

 
 
 
(582
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(582
)
 
    Interest rate swaptions
 
4,500

 
 
 
(12
)
 
 
 
20

 
 
 
(32
)
 
Total fair value hedges
 
15,749

 
 
 
(594
)
 
 
 
20

 
 
 
(614
)
 
Net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
356

 
 
 
17

 
 
 
17

 
 
 
0

 
    Foreign currency options
 
95

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
(1
)
 
Total net investment hedge
 
451

 
 
 
20

 
 
 
21

 
 
 
(1
)
 
Non-qualifying strategies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
5,829

 
 
 
224

 
 
 
442

 
 
 
(218
)
 
Credit default swaps
 
207

 
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
(4
)
 
Interest rate swaps
 
112

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
0

 
Total non-qualifying strategies
 
6,148

 
 
 
222

 
 
 
444

 
 
 
(222
)
 
Total derivatives
 
$
22,475

 
 
 
$
(349
)
 
 
 
$
488

 
 
 
$
(837
)
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
5,308

 
 
 
$
488

 
 
 
$
488

 
 
 
$
0

 
Other liabilities
 
17,167

 
 
 
(837
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(837
)
 
Total derivatives
 
$
22,475

 
 
 
$
(349
)
 
 
 
$
488

 
 
 
$
(837
)
 


Cash Flow Hedges
Certain of our consolidated VIEs have foreign currency swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment. For those that have qualified, we have designated the derivative as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction or of amounts to be received or paid related to a recognized asset (“cash flow” hedge). We expect to continue this hedging activity for a weighted-average period of approximately 11 years. The remaining derivatives in our consolidated VIEs that have not qualified for hedge accounting have been designated as held for other investment purposes (“non-qualifying strategies”).
We had an interest rate swap agreement related to 5.5 billion yen variable interest rate Samurai notes that we issued in July 2011 and redeemed in July 2014 (see Note 9). By entering into this contract, we swapped the variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.475%. We had designated this interest rate swap as a hedge of the variability in our interest cash flows associated with the variable interest rate Samurai notes.
Fair Value Hedges
We designate and account for certain foreign currency forwards and options as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. These foreign currency forwards and options hedge the foreign currency exposure of certain dollar-denominated fixed maturity securities within the investment portfolio of our Aflac Japan segment. We recognize gains and losses on these derivatives and the related hedged items in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The change in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards related to the changes in the difference between the spot rate and the forward price is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The change in fair value of the foreign currency option related to the time value of the option is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
We designate and account for interest rate swaptions as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. These interest rate swaptions hedge the interest rate exposure of certain dollar-denominated fixed maturity securities within the investment portfolio of our Aflac Japan segment. We recognize gains and losses on these derivatives and the related hedged items in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the option is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The following table presents the gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges for the years ended December 31.
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
(In millions)
 
 
Hedging Derivatives
 
Hedged Items
 
 
Hedging Derivatives
Hedged Items
 
Total
Gains (Losses)
 
Gains (Losses)
Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
 
Gains (Losses)
Included in Effectiveness Testing
 
 Gains (Losses)
 
Ineffectiveness
Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards
Fixed-maturity securities
 
$
(1,835
)
 
$
(38
)
 
$
(1,797
)
 
$
1,819

 
$
22

Foreign currency options
Fixed-maturity securities
 
(41
)
 
(4
)
 
(37
)
 
38

 
1

Interest rate
swaptions
Fixed-maturity securities
 
(318
)
 
(36
)
 
(282
)
 
316

 
34

2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
forwards
Fixed-maturity securities
 
$
(1,735
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(1,710
)
 
$
1,700

 
$
(10
)
Interest rate
swaptions
Fixed-maturity securities
 
17

 
17

 
0

 
0

 
0

2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
forwards
Fixed-maturity securities
 
$
(535
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
(527
)
 
$
528

 
$
1



Net Investment Hedge

Our primary exposure to be hedged is our net investment in Aflac Japan, which is affected by changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. To mitigate this exposure, we have designated a majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans - see Note 9) as nonderivative hedges and designated foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in Aflac Japan.

We used foreign exchange forwards and options to economically hedge foreign exchange risk on 52.5 billion yen and 50.0 billion yen of repatriation received from Aflac Japan in July 2014 and December 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, we had entered into foreign exchange forwards as part of an economic hedge on 157.5 billion yen of future profit repatriation.

Our net investment hedge was effective for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Non-qualifying Strategies
For our derivative instruments in consolidated VIEs that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, all changes in their fair value are reported in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The amount of gain or loss recognized in earnings for our VIEs is attributable to the derivatives in those investment structures. While the change in value of the swaps is recorded through current period earnings, the change in value of the available-for-sale fixed income or perpetual securities associated with these swaps is recorded through other comprehensive income.
We have cross-currency interest rate swap agreements related to our $750 million senior notes due November 2024, $700 million senior notes due June 2023, $400 million senior notes due February 2017, $350 million senior notes due February 2022, and $500 million subordinated debentures due September 2052. Changes in the values of these swaps are recorded through current period earnings. For additional information regarding these swaps, see Note 9.
Impact of Derivatives and Hedging Instruments

The following table summarizes the impact to realized investment gains (losses) and other comprehensive income (loss) from all derivatives and hedging instruments for the years ended December 31.
 
2014
2013
2012
(In millions)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Realized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Qualifying hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
$
(2
)
 
 
$
(17
)
 
 
$
(2
)
 
 
$
(10
)
 
 
$
(3
)
 
 
$
(22
)
 
  Total cash flow hedges
 
(2
)
 
 
(17
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(10
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
(22
)
 
  Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency forwards (2)
 
(16
)
 
 
0

 
 
(35
)
 
 
0

 
 
(7
)
 
 
0

 
       Foreign currency options (2)
 
(3
)
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Interest rate swaptions (2)
 
(2
)
 
 
0

 
 
17

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
  Total fair value hedges
 
(21
)
 
 
0

 
 
(18
)
 
 
0

 
 
(7
)
 
 
0

 
  Net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Non-derivative hedging
instruments
 
0

 
 
39

 
 
0

 
 
155

 
 
0

 
 
96

 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
(104
)
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
89

 
 
0

 
 
24

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
(3
)
 
 
0

 
 
4

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
   Total net investment hedge
 
0

 
 
125

 
 
0

 
 
79

 
 
0

 
 
96

 
  Non-qualifying strategies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
151

 
 
0

 
 
346

 
 
0

 
 
111

 
 
0

 
       Foreign currency forwards
 
(11
)
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
11

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Credit default swaps
 
3

 
 
0

 
 
31

 
 
0

 
 
64

 
 
0

 
       Interest rate swaps
 
(1
)
 
 
0

 
 
(8
)
 
 
0

 
 
(14
)
 
 
0

 
       Interest rate swaptions
 
1

 
 
0

 
 
(29
)
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
       Futures
 
(89
)
 
 
0

 
 
(5
)
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
0

 
  Total non- qualifying strategies
 
54

 
 
0

 
 
346

 
 
0

 
 
161

 
 
0

 
          Total
 
$
31

 
 
$
108

 
 
$
326

 
 
$
69

 
 
$
151

 
 
$
74

 
(1) Cash flow hedge items are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized
foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)

There was no gain or loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings related to our designated cash flow hedges and net investment hedge for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, deferred gains and losses on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are immaterial.

Offsetting of Financial Instruments and Derivatives

Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements with certain of the master netting arrangements provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have been reached.

We have securities lending agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions that post collateral to us in return for the use of our fixed maturity securities (see Note 3). When we have entered into securities lending agreements with the same counterparty, the agreements generally provide for net settlement in the event of default by the counterparty. This right of set-off would allow us to keep and apply collateral received if the counterparty failed to return the securities borrowed from us as contractually agreed. For additional information on the Company's accounting policy for securities lending, see
Note 1.

The tables below summarize our derivatives and securities lending transactions as of December 31, and as reflected in the tables, in accordance with GAAP, our policy is to not offset these financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
2014
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
 
 
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet
 
Carrying Value of Financial Instruments
 Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
746

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
746

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
(568
)
 
 
 
$
178

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
56

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
56

 
 
 
0

 
 
(51
)
 
 
 
5

 
    Total derivative assets,
       subject to a master
       netting arrangement
       or offsetting
       arrangement
 
802

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
802

 
 
 
0

 
 
(619
)
(1) 
 
 
183

 
Securities lending and
   similar arrangements
 
2,149

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,149

 
 
 
0

 
 
(2,149
)
 
 
 
0

 
    Total
 
$
2,951

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
2,951

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
(2,768
)
 
 
 
$
183

 

(1) Consists of $153 of pledged securities and $466 of cash.
2013
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
 
 
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet
 
Carrying Value of Financial Instruments
 Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
445

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
445

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
(276
)
 
 
 
$
169

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
17

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
17

 
 
 
0

 
 
(16
)
 
 
 
1

 
Foreign currency options
 
4

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
0

 
 
(3
)
 
 
 
1

 
Credit default swaps
 
1

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
1

 
Interest rate swaps
 
1

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
1

 
Interest rate swaptions
 
20

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
20

 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
20

 
    Total derivative assets,
       subject to a master
       netting arrangement
       or offsetting
       arrangement
 
488

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
488

 
 
 
0

 
 
(295
)
(1) 
 
 
193

 
Securities lending and
   similar arrangements
 
5,656

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,656

 
 
 
0

 
 
(5,656
)
 
 
 
0

 
    Total
 
$
6,144

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
6,144

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
(5,951
)
 
 
 
$
193

 

(1) Consists entirely of cash.


Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
2014
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
 
 
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet
 
Carrying Value of Financial Instruments
 Collateral Pledged
 
Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
(318
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(318
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(318
)
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
(1,912
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1,912
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
1,439

 
 
 
(473
)
 
Foreign currency options
 
(33
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(33
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
24

 
 
 
(9
)
 
Interest rate swaptions
 
(160
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(160
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
158

 
 
 
(2
)
 
    Total derivative liabilities,
       subject to a master
       netting arrangement
       or offsetting
       arrangement
 
(2,423
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(2,423
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
1,621

(1) 
 
 
(802
)
 
Securities lending and
   similar arrangements
 
(2,193
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(2,193
)
 
 
 
2,149

 
 
0

 
 
 
(44
)
 
    Total
 
$
(4,616
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(4,616
)
 
 
 
$
2,149

 
 
$
1,621

 
 
 
$
(846
)
 
(1) Consists entirely of pledged securities.

2013
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
 
 
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet
 
Carrying Value of Financial Instruments
 Collateral Pledged
 
Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
(218
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(218
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
$
1

 
 
 
$
(217
)
 
Foreign currency forwards
 
(582
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(582
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
(582
)
 
Foreign currency options
 
(1
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
(1
)
 
Credit default swaps
 
(4
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
0

 
 
 
(4
)
 
Interest rate swaptions
 
(32
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(32
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
7

 
 
 
(25
)
 
    Total derivative liabilities,
       subject to a master
       netting arrangement
       or offsetting
       arrangement
 
(837
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(837
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
8

(1) 
 
 
(829
)
 
Securities lending and
   similar arrangements
 
(5,820
)
 
 
 
0

 
 
 
(5,820
)
 
 
 
5,656

 
 
0

 
 
 
(164
)
 
    Total
 
$
(6,657
)
 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
(6,657
)
 
 
 
$
5,656

 
 
$
8

 
 
 
$
(993
)
 

(1) Consists of $7 of pledged securities and $1 of cash.

For additional information on our financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 5.